Tonight in the Pearl Street Triangle the holiday season begins in earnest with Dumbo’s 10th Annual Tree Lighting. Sponsored by the DUMBO Improvement District, this all-ages block party will ring in the holidays with singing, dancing, cocoa, and a visit from the man himself, Santa Claus.

The fun starts at 6 p.m., featuring calypso from the Brooklyn-based steel drum band Jah Pan, excerpts from the Nutcracker courtesy of Dumbo’s own Gelsey Kirkland Dance Academy, and carols by Opera on Tap, who will be a-wassailing around the neighborhood until 9 p.m.

For you chocolate lovers, the highlight may well be hot cocoa provided by Dumbo’s “Mr. Chocolate,” Jacques Torres. And Santa will be there to greet the kids — make sure to bring unwrapped toys for children ages 0 to 14 for the Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive! It’s a great way to make sure you’re on Santa’s nice list.

The big countdown to lighting the tree — generously donated by Adam Parke Trees — will be led by DUMBO BID executive director Alexandria Sica. Be sure to stick around until 7 p.m… the organizers have hinted that there’s a very special surprise in store!